an exceptional dining experience

Blending art, craft and dining for a unique experience.
The Great Takeaway is an innovative exploration of taste and discovery. Dining in one of Ballarat’s iconic heritage spaces, amongst some of the finest materials, textiles, glassware and ceramics produced in the Ballarat region – our guests shared a special meal and then were permitted to take their handcrafted settings home with them.
A ticketed event, the Great Takeaway is an exclusively tailored dinner for up to 60 guests who are seated in the exhibition display of Craft Lab in the heritage venue of the Mining Exchange to enjoy a three-course meal with drinks and entertainment.
The six tables are individually dressed by high-profile local ceramicists - **Koji Hoashi, Ruby Pilven, Steph Wallace, Jan Alexander, Karima Baadilla** and Federation University recent graduates **Sarah Mischker** and **Erin Coomans**.
Each are supplying a commissioned handcrafted main and side plate. The plates are coupled with glassware made by Tegan Hamilton and napkins by Ana Petidis.
The table settings are by Craft Lab curator Angela D’Alton.
Diners are seated at random at the dining tables, allocated a specific curated cutlery, plates and glassware set for the evening valued at more than $300 per setting.
The diners will experience a tailored menu designed by chef Douglas Kerr and Dan Tesoriero of Peasant Ballarat, responding to the design styles of the makers.
Diners will be able to see the collections in advance as they are displayed as part of the Craft Lab exhibition.
Shown here, the work of Minna Graham, a commissioned artist for The Great Takeaway 23. Image by Tony Evans, 2023

“The Great Takeaway is introducing people to the connection between craft practice and daily experience.”

The Great Takeaway linked diners to artists - creating an innovative moment where art, dining and experience collided. Image by Tony Evans (2023)

what WILL visitors experience?

Meals are served with paired wines by Peasant, glassware by Nick Doran Adams

Visitors were provided with a glass of sparkling wine on arrival and the opportunity to view Craft Lab alcoves and the displays. .

Diners enjoyed an entrée, main course and dessert, served with paired wines or non-alcoholic beverages. They received a statement of authenticity as well as artist statements on the works provided. All diners leave the meal with their individual sets packaged up and provided to them at the close of the meal.

The visitors will have the rare opportunity to meet with the makers of their works, discuss the artist’s motivations and creative direction.